Germany’s armed forces have placed a major order for more than 2,000 military transport vehicles from Rheinmetall, part of Berlin’s effort to strengthen the Bundeswehr amid heightened security concerns across Europe. Rheinmetall announced the deal today, valuing it at around 1 billion euros ($1.2 billion). It covers unprotected logistics trucks in multiple configurations, including 4×4 (3.5 tons), 6×6 (5 tons) and 8×8 (15 tons) variants. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in the first half of 2026 through Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles, a joint venture with truck maker MAN.

The purchase is part of a broader effort by Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s government to expand and modernize Germany’s military. Merz has repeatedly called for Germany to deploy the “strongest conventional military in the EU” and increase defense spending, citing uncertainty over US security commitments under President Donald Trump.

Germany’s top general, Carsten Breuer, warned earlier this month that Russia is actively rebuilding its forces and could pose a significant threat to the West by 2029, underlining the urgency of improving readiness and deterrence.

MoD sources said the new vehicles will strengthen the Bundeswehr’s ability to rapidly deploy and support operations, helping to address long-standing weaknesses in military logistics.

Source: prizrenpost